Grass - Schizachyrium scoparium 'Jazz' - Jazz Little Bluestem

Jazz Little Bluestem is a wildlife-friendly grass that attracts birds and beneficial insects. The seeds produced by the flower spikes are a valuable food source for birds in the fall and winter, while the dense foliage provides shelter for small wildlife. This native grass also supports pollinators like butterflies and bees, particularly during its flowering season.

• Seasonality: Deciduous; dies back in winter and regrows in spring.
• Flowering Season: Late summer to early fall (August-September)
• Bloom Description: 'Jazz' produces tall, airy flower spikes that rise above the foliage in late summer. The blooms are soft, silvery-white and add delicate texture to the garden. As the flowers mature, they turn fluffy and silver, providing a striking contrast against the colorful fall foliage.

Mass plantings

naturalized areas

low-water landscapes

erosion control

ornamental texture

The narrow, upright leaves of Schizachyrium 'Jazz' are a striking blue-green color during the summer months, transitioning to vibrant shades of orange, red, and purple in the fall. The fine-textured foliage forms a compact, dense clump, offering a bold contrast to other plants in the landscape.

The flowers appear in late summer to early fall as airy, fine-textured spikelets with purplish-bronze hues. They are subtle but add ornamental movement and texture to the garden, especially when backlit by sunlight.

• Planting Season: Best planted in early spring or fall when temperatures are cool, allowing the plant to establish roots before the growing season or winter dormancy.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil but is highly adaptable to various soil types, including sandy and rocky soils. 'Jazz' thrives in poor soils and is tolerant of dry conditions, making it ideal for xeriscaping or low-maintenance gardens.
• Spacing: Space plants 1-2 feet apart to allow for mature spread and to create a dense, clumping effect in mass plantings or borders.

Planting Instructions:

1. Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball.
2. Place the plant in the hole with the top of the root ball level with the soil surface.
3. Backfill with soil, tamp gently, and water thoroughly.
4. Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Pruning is minimal for Schizachyrium 'Jazz'. In late winter or early spring, cut the dead foliage back to about 6-12 inches from the ground to allow new growth to emerge. Avoid cutting back in fall, as the dried flower heads and colorful foliage provide winter interest and food for wildlife. Removing old growth also helps maintain the plant's tidy, compact appearance.

Jazz is highly drought-tolerant once established and prefers low to moderate watering. Water regularly during the first growing season to help establish roots. After that, this grass requires minimal watering and thrives in dry, well-drained soils. It performs best in areas with good drainage and should not be planted in waterlogged conditions.

Thrives in full sun. For the best foliage color and growth, plant 'Jazz' in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Full sun encourages the most vibrant fall color and strong, upright growth. It can tolerate some light shade but may not develop the same intensity of fall color.

The airy flower spikes of 'Jazz' can be harvested for use in fresh or dried floral arrangements. Harvest the flowers when they are fully mature and dry them for long-lasting indoor displays. The colorful fall foliage can also be used in dried arrangements to add texture and interest.

Fertilize sparingly in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or organic compost. Jazz is a low-maintenance grass and thrives in poor soils, so over-fertilizing is not necessary. A single light feeding in spring is usually sufficient to promote healthy growth and vibrant foliage.

• Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Mulching also helps protect the shallow root system from temperature extremes.
• Pest and Disease Resistance: Jazz is highly resistant to pests and diseases. It is an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardens, as it requires minimal care and is unlikely to experience significant issues.
• Winter Care: In colder climates, Jazz dies back in winter but retains its form with dried flower heads and colorful stems. In late winter or early spring, prune away the dead foliage to encourage fresh growth.

Pollination for 'Jazz' is achieved through wind. It is self-pollinating and does not rely on insects or other plants for successful seed production.

Perfect companion plants for Schizachyrium scoparium 'Jazz' include drought-tolerant and sun-loving species such as:

Echinacea (coneflower)

Rudbeckia (black-eyed Susan)

Coreopsis

Sedum

Gaillardia

Salvia

Panicum cultivars.

These plants share similar soil, light, and water requirements and together create a vibrant, prairie-style or xeriscape garden.